SBIR-STTR Award

This Phase I program combines three non-chemical bandmine detection technologies into an integrated sensor suite that will detect and interrogate anomalous objects for shape, size, geometrical detail, and explosive content. Lateral migration (X-Ray) radiography (LMR) is the primary imaging element, with the resonant microstrip patch antenna (RMPA) providing a "quick look" capability, and nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) as an explosive element indicator. LMR methods are capable of locating and imaging antipersonnel (AP) and antitank (AT) mines to 10 cm depths. Mine obscuring features such as soil surface variations can be quickly removed by wavelet image analysis. RMPA can detect and image shallow-buried nonmetallic and metallic objects. RMPA with its 1 inch resolution will limit the search area and allow LMR to be realized with lower power source. NQR methods of explosive detection typically rely on the observation of radio-frequency signals from 14N nuclei present in explosive material. This method provides a positive identification of and quantity estimate of explosive material. This sensor conbination will provide the humanitarian de-mining community with a unique means to unambiguously detect and image shallow-burried metallic and non-metallic landmines. The proposed technology is designed to be used primarily in humanitarian de-mining applications. However, there are untested possibilities for application to a variety of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and environmental remediation problems. Resonant microstrip patch antennas are also currently under development for measurement of uncut coal thickness left by coal excavation machine that will reduce ash, sulfur and heavy metals in run of mine coal.

The Phase I research and engineering investigations determined that a multisensor system could be built that would create a quantum leap forward landmine detection technology. This system will be built in this project. In the system, sensor components communicate measured data by RF modems to the platoon chief's notebook computer. The sensor system can be deployed in rough terrain, is affordable, ergonomically acceptable, and sustainable in field operations. Controlled laboratory and field tests of a newly developed Electromagnetic wave Detection and Imaging Technology (EDIT) landmine detector determined that metal/nonmetal buried objects could be imaged with 1 cm resolution. The silhouettes formed in the image are used to differentiate natural and manmade clutter from metal/nonmetal landmines when buried in dry/wet magnetite soil, clay soil, or sand. EDIT can be operated near power lines and requires only a small amount of computer power, which leads to a low-cost handheld instrument. Because the silhouette identifies the exact location of the suspect object, slower scanning, but higher resolution (1 mm) Lateral migration radiography requires much less power and becomes field deployable. Nuclear quadrupole resonance can also be operated at lower power. The system minimizes and can even eliminate prodding required in MD field operation.

Benefits:
The proposed system has several component parts that have both de-mining and underground mining of coal applications. The low cost makes the system affordable to the 5,000 deminers working in the clearance of mine fields. The Electromagnetic wave Detection and Imaging Technology (EDIT) land mine detector can scan a 1 x 1-meter area in 1.6 minutes, providing a 1-cm resolution image. Since the system will not require prodding and high-resolution images will identify the object, Explosive Ordnance Detection (EOR) can be effectively applied, speeding up the clearance cycle. The US Army market is 35,000 units at $3,000 ($105 million). Because the EDIT technology solves a longstanding problem in coal mining, the technology can be integrated on machines owned by mining companies, creating a semi-autonomous control system for mining clean coal in an undulating coal seam--$40M per year leasing market.

Keywords:
Landmine Detection Imaging Metallic And Nonmetallic Multisensor Lmr - Lateral Migration Radiography